A new rotor structural design method of rotating packed bed based on hydrodynamic performance analysis

Abstract

The rotating packed bed (RPB) is a typical process intensification device. However, the unbalanced vibration of the rotor makes the rotor transmission shaft squeeze the bearing and shaft seal frequently, which may destroy the bearing and shaft seal and cause material leakage. In response to this situation, this paper proposes a new spherical rotor structure design method based on hydrodynamic performance analysis for the RPB. It establishes the CFD models, including a conventional rotor structure and a spherical structure. The gas-liquid flow field characteristics in the two kinds of structural equipment are analyzed from the CFD results. It is found that the gas-liquid flow field distribution of the RPB with a spherical rotor structure is consistent with that of the conventional RPB, and the residence time of the liquid is less than 1s. The RPB with a spherical rotor structure meets the fluid performance of the high-gravity reactor. The gas-phase pressure drop of RPB with a spherical rotor structure is 20−35% lower than conventional structural RPB, and it increases the liquid holdup by 30−50%. It can be concluded that RPB with a spherical rotor structure has the advantages of lower pressure drop and higher liquid capture ability.